Thresher Shark Caught in Indonesia

Manta rays have always been landed at Lombok's Tanjung Luar, fish market, and there has been increasing concern about declines in populations of these highly vulnerable rays, which only produce a few offspring over their long lifespans. This concern escalated to an alarm, however, on the morning of 27th of August 2013 when a single reef Manta (Manta alfredi) was landed, followed by more landings of reef manta rays on the 28th and again on the 29th. Prior to this, on the morning of the 24th a boat from Benoa harbor, Bali offloaded 6 ton of Manta ray, according to local fishermen. These landings mark a turning point for Manta tourism across Indonesia, and pose a major threat to the the country's lucrative international dive tourism industry.